Responses to concurrent radiotherapy and hormone-therapy and outcome for large breast cancers in post-menopausal women

IntroductionThis study aimed to evaluate responses and outcome of hormone-therapy (HT) and radiotherapy (RT) given concurrently for large breast cancers in post-menopausal women.Material and methodsForty-two breast carcinomas in 41 women were treated with HT and concurrent RT to the breast ± lymph node bearing areas. For 30 tumours this was followed by breast surgery (with axillary lymph node dissection when the axilla had not been irradiated). RT delivered a median dose to the tumour of 50 Gy (48–66) and 75 Gy (65–84) for, respectively, preoperative and exclusive RT–HT. Median follow-up was 64 months.ResultsOut of 42 clinically assessable tumours (after a mean dose of 50 Gy), 9 tumours (21%) had complete clinical responses, 24 (57%) partial responses, 9 (21%) stable disease. Breast-conserving surgery or exclusive RT–HT was possible in 74% of tumours. For 29 patients who underwent breast surgery, the rate of pathological complete responses was 17%. At 50 Gy no skin toxicity higher than grade 2 occurred. Five year OS, RFS and local control were, respectively, 85%, 84% and 97%. Lymphoedema occurred in one patient.ConclusionConcurrent association of RT–HT demonstrated good efficacy, both in terms of clinical and pathological complete responses. It allowed breast conservation with acceptable tolerance and good 5-year local control.